The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB538)

On January 1, 2025, the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB538) went into effect in the state of Maryland. Created to make housing more affordable and accessible for Marylanders, the state law made considerable changes to the Land Use Article. This state code serves as the governing framework for how Maryland counties exercise their local planning and zoning authority.

Aerial view of housing suburb during fall

DPZ Policy Memo

Learn what the state's Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB538) means for Howard County's implementation.

To understand the key provision implementations and the projects that qualify, please review the DPZ Policy Memo.

Eligibility Checklist

Determine if your project is eligible by accessing DPZ's checklist.

*This checklist is required to be submitted with the first plan application.

Map Exploration & Interaction

Explore the area in more detail with the maps shown below.

Howard County map identifying potential transit-oriented development eligibility relative to HB538

Howard County map identifying potential transit-oriented development eligibility buffer zoning relative to HB538

Howard County map identifying potential Nonprofit Ownership eligibility relative to HB538

Howard County map identifying Single Family Residential Zoning relative to HB538

Dive into our interactive map to navigate to points of interest to learn more.

Maryland's Housing Plan

Learn more about the key legislation enacted by Governor Moore to drive housing affordability for Marylanders. Visit the Department of Housing and Community Development's website for Turning the Key: Unlocking Maryland's Potential

The Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB538)